Singles Roundup 4-21

Tame Impala's second single, "Borderline" has had an official release. Previously first heard on "Saturday Night Live," the song features a few differences on the studio recording.

The lyrics have been changed around, and there is a clear focus on the mixing, allowing to sound a lot more balanced. This single is a bit more of a traditional Tame Impala song, fitting along nicely with the tone and style used in Kevin Parker's previous album, "Currents." The lyrics talk about being alone, even in a city as big as Los Angeles, and whether or not Kevin will be recognized and loved for his work.

While some may still be a bit skeptical of this style used by Parker, it is proving to have a lot of time and careful consideration put into every aspect of the track. There is no doubt that whatever will come of Parker will be even greater than this, and it is possible that we can see this before the end of the year. – Jack Grossman

Ellie Goulding – Sixteen

Ellie Goulding has been riding the high of the success of her 2018 single “Close To Me.” However, Goulding’s new single “Sixteen” may bring “Close to Me” good competition on the airwaves. It is the third track released from her upcoming fourth album, which is currently untitled and set to be released this year.

“Sixteen” is a look back on the carefree days of being a teenager. Goulding sings to a past love who she lost to the chaos of a fast-paced life. At sixteen years old, she finds that they believed they were adults. However, as time passes quickly and each of them are “so busy doing life” she understands that sixteen was nothing near adulthood.

It’s a fun dance track that reaches out to a past flame. “Sixteen” is the call to everyone’s question as to whether their teenage sweethearts were actually the ones despite time bringing them apart.

The music is very Goulding-esque, offering a hopeful look for her new album. Though it is still unsure of where the direction the singer is going for the album following the release of the three very different singles. Nonetheless, “Sixteen” is certainly a strong contender for a Billboard topping-hit with mature, relatable lyrics and a danceable beat. – Jade Campos

Kevin Abstract – ARIZONA baby

Three singles coming in at just under nine minutes make for what feels like Kevin Abstract’s best work to date. The intro “Big Wheels” is Kevin letting out his frustrations, heard darting left and right almost out of breath he admits he “got rich way too fast” and how it has affected the way his old friends see him today. A beautiful guitar echoes in the back as Kevin raps for 50 seconds straight before he “jumps” and the beat takes a quick left turn into jazz fusion territory.

“Joy Ride” stars some rapid snares and kicks behind the fanfare of a trumpet. There are times when autotune makes a track better and this is one of them. Used solely for the first verse, Kevin shows a huge step forward in maturation towards his flow. Not the first time referencing his fear of missing out on the schooling experience Kevin asks “Is there any way I can get college back? / ‘cause I know I missed out what I lack.” A line that should hit with his audience, most of who are still in school, just trying to figure things out for the better.

This goes for “Georgia” too. The production, the voice, the sentimentality in his words, provide for a tear-jerker of an outro. Led by Kevin’s love for his mother and their conflict with him identifying as a gay man, he tackles with how he can truly love her even if she doesn’t truly accept him, “In the end it’s just me and my boyfriend.” – Matthew Dunn

The Garden – Thy Mission (feat. Mac DeMarco)

Building up a name for themselves as the most eclectic outfit within punk rock, The Garden, comprised of brothers Wyatt and Fletcher Shears, find themselves with perhaps their biggest chance at a mainstream single… if they would even want one. With nods from big named artists and a shout out on Tyler the Creators recent “Flower Boy,” The Garden have built up a very loyal, almost cult-like fanbase.

On their newest single “Thy Mission,” the duo enlists indie rock prince Mac DeMarco to add a bridge, amongst some instrumentation. The lyrics, while usually sporadic, find themselves carrying a deeper sentiment in this one. “Truth is / I'm lucky / I made it off a fluke / like a junkie,” sings Wyatt following a line about how he can “give you salmonella.” He’s coming to terms with the fact that he would not be where he is today without his following. He recognizes that there are probably more deserving people in the world, but he’s not going to take his luck for granted.

A heavily reverbed Mac DeMarco, an airy sax riff, some fuzzy guitar progressions and a whistle outline the rest of what is probably the duo’s most structurally pleasing track to date. – Matthew Dunn